Living in Increase (Part 12) - Increase in FocusSample

S.M.A.R.T. Goals

In the world of goal setting, there is an acronym called S.M.A.R.T. goals. Since it’s easy to get carried away in the unrealistic aspirations of goal setting, S.M.A.R.T. goals are a reminder to be wise in our goal planning. Seems pretty simple, right? Pondering the benefits of achieving the goal is motivating and sometimes gives us too much ambition in goal-setting. However, keeping your mindset focused on reaping the benefits of achieving your goals and setting realistic goals can be fun and motivating. That’s what S.M.A.R.T. goals are all about.

Specific: Specific goals guarantee that your focus will be narrowed and you can plan effectively.

Measurable: Create goals with a metric that will allow you to track and view your progress. If you are trying to lose weight, you cannot just make a blanket statement: “This year, I will lose weight!” Instead, you need to know how much weight you intend to lose. The best part about measurable goals is that they allow for celebrations while working toward the final goal.

Attainable: You want your goals to be big enough to feel slightly out of reach but attainable with suitable systems and processes. If the goal is too easy, you will not put the effort into achieving it, or you may not take the goal seriously. If the goal is too hard, you will give up on yourself. Sometimes, the mental block and anxiety of a goal too big will keep you from even getting started.

Realistic: When you are setting goals, it is essential to consider what you have been able to achieve in the past. For example, if you are a salesperson and have never sold $500,000 in sales volume, setting a goal of $1,000,000 would not be realistic. Attainable and realistic go hand in hand. A goal must be realistic to be attained.

Time-based: To stay on track with your goals, they must be set with an ambitious deadline. Give yourself enough time to complete it with little time for procrastination.

As you start to get your goals together, remember that the goal is not about what you can achieve. When setting goals, you should ask, “Can I do this in my own strength, or does it require the strength of God?” Pray over the goals you have in mind. Make sure to include God in your goal planning. Keep your heart open to the corrections and words He gives you. His ways are not our ways. When operating to achieve Kingdom goals, it’s easy to let fear seep in and begin questioning God. Don’t question; move forward in faith that He has the bigger picture taken care of. Watching God do His handy work is the most exciting part of achieving goals!

Lindsey Whitney

Action Step: Write out your goal and compare it to the parameters of S.M.A.R.T. goals. How does it measure up? Are there ways you can modify your goal? Take 10-15 minutes today to write your goals with these tactics. Then pray over them, giving them to the Lord.